Longest day but spirits high

James was very positive after his joyous experience in the chemists and after lunch we set off towards Perth and Kinross. He says the magic ointment worked immediately but I suspect benefits were largely psychological. It doesn't matter as what was great was that we were both in good spirits. (I've had pains in both knees whilst cycling but by about 5pm today they eased considerably so hope that holds for tomorrow).
We'd only done 30 odd miles by this point and James was bouyed by the fact that we were half-way, HA! I didn't tell him that we actaully still had 50 to go - that might have changed his outlook.
Following last nights puncture I was running on 30psi rather than 80. We found a bike hire place near Blair Castle and they kindly lent me their track pump to put that right. It didn't half make a difference and you can fair fly along with that much air so I was very happy.
Tony' done well to get Blair Castle for his retirement - is that why he got Gords to raid the pension funds to fund it. (think it's actually home of the Lords of Atholl)
To get to Perth the route takes the old B roads. It's only on a bike that you realise how much they rise and fall so not only is the route longer than the near parallel A road but much more hilly.
See James's blog for a picture of the Red Squirrels warning sign - if they're that dangerous we need to be warned about them I don't blame the grey ones for fighting them back up to Scotland.
After 70 miles James insisted we stop for a pint at the Baiglie Inn, in Aberargie south of Perth. He claims it was due to impending rain, which did come on cue, but I'm seeing a pattern.
Each day so far we have struggled on that last 10 miles or so - perhaps the 6pm pub stop isn't helping after all.
Today the cheeky 2 1/2 mile climb straight after didn't help either. We're getting better at them and whilst I kept up more closely with him James still is King of the Mountains - I think he gets to wear the green jersey is it?
Sandy of the Roxburghe Guest seems pleasant and won marks for the first bath available for muscle soaking. Shame we arrived too late to use it properly as we had to dash out for food since everything shuts at 9. Had a curry in the end (bit risky and not sure it's advised in the cyclist's training guide).
We recommend the Salutation Inn in Kinross.
Today was our longest day's cycling at 82 miles and we're both pleased with how we coped.
It's a much shorter route to Selkirk, via Edinburgh, tomorrow and the highlands are largely behind us. We will miss the beautiful scenery but not the unpredictable weather.